How to Give Yourself a Flawless DIY Pedicure, According to a Professional

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You know what they say: April showers bring May … pedicures? Yep! Our very own nail technician, Tammie Richardson, is now taking appointments for manis and pedis (you can book here). But if you can’t make it in quite yet, she’s offering tips on mastering an amazing at-home pedicure. We promise, if you follow her steps, you’ll get the most luxurious and safest treatment for your precious toes.

EQUIPMENT: 

  • Towel

  • Large Bucket or Basin

  • Vinegar

  • Mouth Wash

  • Warm Water

  • Nail Clippers

  • Emery Board

  • Buffing Block

  • Pumice Stone

  • Coconut Oil/Olive Oil, Sugar

  • Moisturizing Cream

  • Basecoat

  • Nail Polish

  • Topcoat 

STEP 1: PREP

If possible, Tammie suggests removing your old polish the night before your at-home pedi. And because acetone removers can be drying, she says to “rub either some cuticle oil, olive oil or coconut oil on your nails and cuticles to moisturize as you sleep.”

STEP 2: SOAK

The next day, you’ll want to gather all of your supplies. Prepare a basin to soak your feet in (something large enough for both your feet). Fill your basin with 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of mouthwash and the rest with warm water. Sit back, relax and soak your feet for at least 15 minutes! 

STEP 3: SHAPE 

After a nice soak, gently pat your feet dry with a towel. Grab your nail clippers and a nail file, and let’s get to work. When trimming your nails, Tammie says to make sure you’re clipping straight across the toenail. And this is important: don’t cut too short. “Leave a little bit of an edge at the corner. Many of my clients that suffer from ingrown toenails simply cut them too short!” After you’ve clipped your nails, gently smooth the lines with a fine emery board.

STEP 4: TACKLE CALLUSES

Yep, it’s time to work on those calluses! When tackling callused areas, Tammie suggests using a pumice stone with a little bit of liquid soap to scrub away the calluses. But caution! “If you take too much off, it will not only make your feet sore, but it will also cause your body to build more calluses,” she says. Your goal: Simply remove excess skin and smooth the callused sections.

STEP 5: EXFOLIATE

After gently scrubbing away the calluses, rinse your feet in the basin. Dump out the water and refill it with fresh water. Now it’s time for a scrub. In a large bowl, mix together sugar and either coconut oil or olive oil. Just eyeball it until it makes a paste! Gently rub the mixture on your feet and legs to exfoliate for a few minutes. Once that’s completed, rinse away the scrub completely.

STEP 6: MOISTURIZE

Once your legs and feet are rinsed, smooth and completely dry, use a buffing block gently on the top of the nails and the free edge. Apply a cream of your choice. “I suggest finding a cream that both exfoliates and moisturizes,” says Tammie. 

STEP 7: PAINT

Use a cotton ball with alcohol to remove any remaining oil or moisturizer on the nail itself. Let dry. Apply a basecoat. Follow that with your favorite color of polish (we recommend Zoya!) Let dry, then add a top coat.

If you tend to be indecisive choosing nail polish colors, some of Tammie’s favorites from Zoya include Kiki, Lola, Sonja, Walker and Tanya. And don't worry if you’ve drawn outside the lines! A little color on your cuticles is no problem. Take a Q-tip covered in polish remover and clean it right up.

While we can’t visit a professional like Tammie for the pedicure of our dreams, follow these steps from the convenience of your own bathroom, and your toes will thank you!

Spa TreatmentsMegan O'Neillnails